The inhibition of autophagy via AKT/mTOR pathway is largely demonstrated in podocyte injury.8 Previous studies illustrated that AKT/mTOR signalling was activated by HG and contributed to podocyte damage and autophagy inhibition in DN.11, 12, 13 These findings suggested that AKT/mTOR is an essential signalling to regulate autophagy and podocyte injury, and that targeting this signalling is a promising way to ameliorate DN progression. This evidence concerns the gene MTOR and liver dysplastic nodule.